PRESS RELEASE 7th May 2015
Opinion Survey on the Future of Girley Bog, Co. Meath Launched
Today the Irish Peatland Conservation Council in liaison with partners in the Girley Bog Meitheal Team (see editors note 1) launched a nationwide survey seeking opinions on the future of Girley Bog. We want to know what people think should be in the Girley Bog Conservation Management Plan 2015-2025. The survey is on-line and consists of 10 questions (see https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/29PSWP2). Information is being collected on Visiting Girley Bog, the Importance of Girley Bog to a person and the work that needs to be done to protect and enhance the bog and its amenities.
“Girley Bog is not just another raised bog. This space is outstanding for its wildlife, its peaceful loop walk and the meitheal that is bringing people together from the community to help protect and promote this unique site” says Dr Catherine O’Connell of the IPCC. The Team have come up with the TOP10 great things about Girley Bog which is published on line at http://www.ipcc.ie/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/girleybogtop10.pdf.
“As Girley Bog’s Conservation has been made possible through the good will of the local community, we are very keen to keep the links alive between the bog and the people. Now is a chance for everyone to voice their opinions and ideas Girley” added Dr O’Connell.
We are delighted with the Heritage Council decision recently announced to support this project under the Community-based Heritage Grant Scheme 2015 and we are also grateful for the on-going support of Meath County Council.
ENDS
Editors Note 1: Girley Bog Meitheal Team was set up in 2013 once all turf cutting interests in Girley Bog were bought out. The members of the Team include: Native Woodland Trust, Irish Peatland Conservation Council, Causey Farm Experience, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Coillte, Denyer Ecology, Queen’s University Belfast, Meath Ecotours, Meath County Council and members of the local community.
Further Information: bogs@ipcc.ie